Tag Archives: Student Nurse

Last Placement Block of Year 2!!

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Well I am not quite sure how I have got to this point (especially after the last 6 months – not even taking COVID into account!!)

The last placement of Year 2 – Obviously, I cannot say the location, but it is definitely an area I hope to gain some good experience in ( as well as get Year Two signed off and hopefully some spoke placements*)

*SPOKE PLACEMENTS

A Spoke Placement (also known as a ‘Spoke’) is is an extra learning opportunity during a placement. An example of this could be working on a surgical ward and having the opportunity to spend time in Theatres, with Physiotherapy or perhaps the Occupational Therapists. It could range from a one off visit or one procedure, to entire shifts (or set of shifts) in that area. It provides a great learning opportunity, but not necessarily mandatory to pass the Degree. I still have not done any spoke placements.

My Degree journey definitely has not been smooth sailing. I have faced ill health, both acute and chronic issues (including physical and mental health), including a cancer scare, resulting in a 6 month deferral from the course. Problems with my personal life, as well as money and confidence issues. Add in the Coronavirus Pandemic, cheating and emotional abuse – which has lead to a breakup and me having to leave my home, now at the stage of a pending Divorce and issues with the ex that she is determined to drag out – and her added smear campaign of lies. I am really surprised that I have actually made it this far!! I am now completing my degree over 50 miles away from my University. Luckily lectures have been virtual and I have been able to do these in the evening and nights, if my insomnia is an issue ( to be honest it is never not an issue these days). Placement on the other hand has taken some more mind power to sort out.

Second Year Blues, I thought, was something I either wouldn’t experience, due to my poor mental health anyway but even when studying virtually, it does exist. I will post further about this soon.

Have I ever considered quitting – OH YES!!!!

Do I still consider it most days – MOST DEFINITELY!!

I think at this point even though the end is in sight, the year 3 planner is out and finance applied for and partially approved. It still feels so far away. I still go onto a placement or lecture and think “How an earth am I suppose to register and practice independently next year. Apparently these thoughts are normal and it is a bit like driving, you study to pass the tests and become competent and safe, but it is not until you are out there doing the job, that you actually begin to learn.

Whilst my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is so much better since leaving my ex (and the home-Coincidence?? I will let you decide that as I think I know the answer) It is still kicking my butt. When I was younger I could study several courses, work several jobs, travel and live on hardly any sleep, but currently I seem to be a permanently exhausted pigeon – Now I also have nothing against pigeons, well apart from when I have to stop in the road, as they will not get out of the way and I refuse to run them over-but that is another issue all together. There is no way I could do that now. Everything seems so daunting and tiring, I can see why people keep giving me a shocked face when they hear me say I do not drink or like Coffee. Tiredness is a real issue. So if anyone has any tips that genuinely work then please throw them my way.

So Wow!! Here I am, nearing the end of year 2 of the BSc Nursing (Adult) and I don’t really know what to say. This time next year I will nearly be done. I have a lot of hours to make up before I can register, but I guess that is life with Chronic Illnesses, another challenge to try and beat. We all have our own individual journey and these hurdles are obviously something I need to conquer.

(ABC/Mike Rosenthal)

Second Year Nursing Student!!

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Year 2 – It really does not feel real!!

Second Year Student Nurse!!

People say that the BSc Nursing course flies by, I have not figured out if I feel it has flown, or whether it has gone slowly.

Coronavirus really has made things interesting. In year one, our placements were suspended and my year was placed on theory only, at home. Roll on the next couple of lockdowns and as year 2 our planner has been altered, but this time round, second years were not offered to “opt in” and get paid. Our paperwork is new, as well as different to other cohorts, because of things being cancelled or done virtually. It is all very strange.

However, providing all goes well (touch-wood), in 2021 I will become a third year Student Nurse. That thought is terrifying, yet exciting. It just doesn’t feel real. I do not feel like I am at this stage.

Is this normal? Is it because of COVID?

Who knows?

I have two placements left of year 2, as well as the theory blocks. I cannot wait to attend my next placement, I feel as though the area is one that can provide me plenty of learning opportunities.

I do aim to write up a reflective post of my next placements. However it will not be posted until after the placement has ended and it will not share any locations or personal details, because obviously as a Student Nurse it would go against a lot of rules. But keep a look out at future posts.

Is this really happening?

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UCAS really do like to keep you waiting. Personally, I think the site may have got sick of me checking the Track system.

I have been away from blogging since last year, so have a lot to catching up to do!!

So when off work last year I decided things needed to change, I only had one year left of my Open University Degree, but wanted to do something that involved more time out of the house (plus I have 16 years to complete my OU Degree). I decided to look at other Universities and rang my local University Nursing Department to enquire about whether they have places in the next cohort and, most importantly, whether they would accept an application this late into the year. Luckily for me they would accept an application. I told them I would have it sent in by the end of the day and they were happy for me to tick the box to not include a reference, but supply details for one. 30 Minutes later an application was sent in. That was the fastest personal statement I had ever written.

I was also very lucky as the next Open Day was within a week and the next interview day was also very soon after. I found out within a couple of weeks that I was successful and given a conditional offer. Conditions were not based on grades but as I had not submitted a reference with the UCAS application, this was needed as well as confirmation of my OU studies and credits achieved. Once submitted, amazingly that August my place was confirmed. Although the September cohort was full, so my place was for March, but I did not care. I was going to be a nurse.

I even got a head sweatband in the post – I have not had the heart to use it yet!!

And that is my short story of getting into Nursing.

Found this on Google